Green member labels algorithm discriminatory

Green Immigration spokesperson Golriz Ghahraman has written to the government over concerns about its discriminatory use of immigrants personal data.

She says she is concerned about the algorithm used to determine whether immigrants can enter New Zealand or not.

"We're very concerned to hear that Immigration NZ is using an algorithm that includes age, gender and ethnicity to determine access to immigration opportunities, including identifying people who are supposedly more likely to commit crimes based on their ethnicity.

"Immigrants are not data points in an algorithm, they are people who contribute to our communities and to our economy. Government departments should treat them accordingly," Ghahraman said.

The Green's immigration spokesperson has written to Immigration Minister Iain Lees-Galloway to express the party's concerns about the use of immigration data.